Charleston vs Spartanburg: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Charleston, SC and Spartanburg, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Spartanburg, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,176▲ | $46,225 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.17▲ | $22.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,667▲ | $37,895 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,521▲ | $39,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,906 | $53,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,215▲ | $53,521 |
| Total Employed | 1,420▲ | 630 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spartanburg.
The salary gap between Charleston and Spartanburg is $1,951 (4.22%). Charleston's median is -0.13% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $19,548,Spartanburg spans $15,626. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spartanburg ($50,768 effective) pays 6.39% more than Charleston ($47,717 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,176/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,215)
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Spartanburg if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,768)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Charleston grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.8% growth in Spartanburg over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$34,650 (2019) → $45,690 (2025)
Spartanburg, SC
$32,280 (2019) → $43,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Charleston or Spartanburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Spartanburg?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Spartanburg as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Charleston vs Spartanburg?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov